Concern about the lack of apprentice opportunities at Arnish fabrication yard have been raised by Stornoway North Councillor Gordon Murray.
SNP Cllr Murray has now written to Bi-Fab, the firm who have operated the yard since 2009, to seek detail of their long term strategy to ensure a sustainable future for the yard.
In a letter to Bi-Fab Managing Director John Robertson, Cllr Murray stated: “Representations have been made to me with concerns about Bi-Fab and the lack of apprentices.
"It has been brought to my attention that since Bi-Fab took over the yard at Arnish many years ago, no apprentices have been taken on.”
Cllr Murray raised concern about the sustainability of the yard without recruitment of new trainees and questioned whether the firm’s Methill site could also be utilised by apprentices during quieter periods of work at Arnish.
He said: “The local term success of the Arnish yard is important for the local economy and I hope they will be able to offer some reassurance on plans to ensure a sustainable workforce.”
